People with diabetes need to be concerned about other health issues in addition to their diabetes. The longer you have diabetes, such as into your 50s and beyond, the greater the risk of problems with your feet, eyesight, heart, kidneys, and more.
This is why people with diabetes need to see their doctor more often. The doctor will make sure the patient’s diabetes is under control and will check for other health problems. Patients need to see their doctor every 3 months, unless the doctor tells them they don’t need to come as often. Some patients have their diabetes so well controlled that they only need to see their doctor every 6 months.
The following tests help ensure that patients do not develop further health problems.
Glucose check
The doctor needs to know how well the patient is controlling their blood sugar levels. The doctor will give the patient a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test to see the average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. If blood glucose levels are well controlled, the doctor may only need the patient to have a blood glucose test every 6 months. If blood glucose levels are not well controlled, the patient will need to have a blood glucose test every 3 months. To avoid further health problems, patients should keep their HbA1c levels around 7% or lower.
Frequency of testing: every 3 to 6 months.
Measuring blood pressure
People with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure, which increases the chances of heart disease. Your doctor should check your patient’s blood pressure at each visit. If the blood pressure is too high, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes or prescribe a medicine to help lower the blood pressure. Patients should keep their blood pressure under 140/90 mmHg.
Check frequency: at each doctor’s visit.
Weighing
If overweight, the doctor may discuss a diet and exercise plan with the patient. Those extra pounds can make it more difficult for patients to control their blood sugar levels. In addition, losing weight can help lower blood pressure and the risk of heart disease. It is not necessary to lose a lot of weight. Just losing 10 or 15 pounds (4.5 or 6.75 kg) will improve health.
Check frequency: every time you see your doctor.
Foot exam
Foot problems are common in people with diabetes, so patients and doctors need to work together to keep their feet healthy. Patients should carefully wash, dry, and examine their feet at home every day. If there is nerve damage in the foot and leg, patients will not be able to detect wounds in the foot and leg. Also, the doctor will examine the patient’s feet at each visit.
Patients with diabetes may also have blood flow problems, which makes it difficult for foot wounds to heal. Tiny wounds, pain, or blisters can develop into foot ulcers. Foot ulcers are difficult to treat and may even need to be amputated if a serious infection occurs.
Check frequency: every time you see your doctor.
Dental exams
Don’t neglect your mouth. People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing gum disease. When blood sugar levels are abnormal, patients are more likely to develop gum disease. Even if controlled by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash, patients should still see a dentist to ensure oral health.
Checkup frequency: every 6 months.
Kidney exam
When you have diabetes, you are more likely to have kidney disease, so your doctor will monitor your kidneys. Doctors will perform urine tests to make sure the kidneys are working properly. If you have kidney disease, early treatment can prevent the condition from getting worse.
Check frequency: once a year.
Cholesterol screening
High cholesterol levels can lead to heart disease. Your doctor will check a patient’s cholesterol at least once a year to make sure it is in a healthy range. If the patient needs it, the doctor can prescribe medicine to lower cholesterol levels.
Frequency of testing: once a year.
Eye exam
People with diabetes are at greater risk for vision problems. If blood sugar or blood pressure levels are too high, eye problems are more likely to occur. Therefore, it is important to keep a close eye on vision and eye health and ask for a routine comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. The doctor will dilate the patient’s pupils to determine if there are any problems with the eyes.
Frequency of exam: once a year.